Laos, one of the few communist states is also one of the poorest in Asia
11 October 2007
Full name: Lao People's Democratic Republic
Location: Southeast Asia bordinger China, Vietnam, Cambodia and Thailand
Population: 5.8 million (via UN, 2006)
Capital: Vientiane
Area: 236,800 sq km (91,400 sq miles)
Major languages: Lao, French (for diplomatic purposes)
Major religion: Buddhism, animist
Life expectancy: 53 years (men), 56 years (women) (UN)
Monetary unit: 1 new kip = 100 ath
Main exports: Clothing, timber products, coffee
GNI per capita: US $440 (World Bank, 2006)
Internet domain: .la
International dialling code: +856
Flying time: 12 hours 20 minutes from UK
Currency: Lao Kip
Time Difference: GMT+7